How to turn a matchbox into a camera.

Hi guys, 

Today's post isn't about high-tech. It is about matchboxes. And how a pinhole can turn it into a camera? Today's post isn't about magic trick neither. It is about optical. It is about Lomography or Sténopé (fr).

I'm sure you know this diagram. Well, this is exactly the optical process Lomography is based on. You can actually take a picture by letting the light get into a dark box, through a very little hole. You'll then need a film and to be good with your hand. But that's it. It takes about 20 minutes and you've got a wonderful hand made camera. 

Want to know how to? Many tutorials are available on the web, and i've been doing the research to get the best selection. You'll find a great one on the matchbox pinhole site and on wiki débrouillard for french speakers. Think it doesn't actually work? Then check that out! The pictures below have been taken with a Lomo camera. You'll find much more on lomographie.com or Flickr 

It so works, that a 2 two guys started a business that gave birth to the lo-fi movement, early 90's. They've given fresh air to the world of photography; The Lomographische AG company. Launch first the video to know about the Lomo camera history. This video and the site Thelomotion were part of the thesis project of a student of the Academy of Art University called Lingdum. If you want to know much more about the Lomo movement, then watch the BBC's documentary below.

To watch the 7 parts of the movie, click Here.

Lomo cameras look like toys, and they're not much heavier. A Lomo not only take amazing shots, it is a pure piece of fashion. The Lomo company is now making great profit with a wide range of cameras and accessories from the most traditional to the deluxe edition.  When the standard price is around 40€ for the basic old fashioned models, the most exclusives models can reach about 800€. If you fancy, you can also get the matchbox style ones. Here are a few models, but you can browse the Lomo Store for more.

Here is an nice advert for the Lomo's paper pinhole camera. And next you'll find the advert for the Holga model.

from Lingdum

It's so much fun! You can also use a fish eye effect or use the same film twice for an overprinted effect. Are you going to get one? I...' d love one.

VL